1st Day of 4th and 2nd grades

It almost seems cruel to go back to school in mid-August, but since we've been out since Memorial Day I guess it's only fitting. And in many ways I was ready to see that big yellow bus, because getting back into a nice routine is just what we needed. But I'm a little sad as well. We had fun this summer. But here we go again! First day of 4th and 2nd grade for these kiddos.

Alex will start preschool in a few weeks, but he was ready to get on the bus with his big sisters and was more than a little upset that he couldn't. He also took Amelia's sign and demanded a picture 😂. Cute kid! And of course he needed his backpack too. 

My heart! I said prayers all day that it would be a good day for them. They both came home happy. I'm feeling like Ella's teacher is really going to be great for her and Amelia loves all of the teachers she's had. This year will be no exception. 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Summer 2017: Top Ten

It's been an awesome summer. We've done a lot of great things. So to recap, here's a list of our top ten favorite activities or moments of this summer that's very quickly coming to an end.

1. The cruise 🚢. There's really nothing that can top this experience. Family + beach + sun= memories of a lifetime 

2. So many fun camps

Ella went to a horse camp that she loved. Amelia did a sports camp. They both did a games galore camp, and Ella Aldo went to Lego camp. These camps were a lot of fun for the kids, but they also provided some much needed sanity in our home because I quickly learned too much down time is trouble. 

3. Swimming. We swam a ton this summer and loved every bit of it. In fact, next summer I'm putting these girls on the swim team. 

4. Biking/Hiking/Canoeing. Just staying active in general. We did two great hikes, one night canoeing, and many nights biking. 

The family canoe trip. I actually didn't go on this one. But these kids are lucky to have such a fun daddy. 

Hiking White Oak

Biking at the skate park.

5. The Nats Game 

That was a fun night! 

6. Trains, planes, and playing at home

So much creativity... I love it!

Also, this is what Alex does instead of nap. He doesn't want to miss a beat with his big sisters around, so why not dance with a basket on your head?😂

7. The Library. Story time, the summer reading program, and lots of good reading. I read at least ten books this summer, a new record for me with little kids. I even won the adult reading prize one week. I won a gift card to our local bakery, free books, and a really great library bag. I'm such a nerd. I was super excited!

We also walked to the library on nice days. It was a family adventure.

8. Dollar Movies on Tuesdays. We did this a few times with nana and papa. 

How fun is it to go to a movie and only spend a few dollars on tickets! Well the snacks were still expensive, but nana is always prone to spoiling these kids. 

9. Date Nights. Shaun and I had some great dates. For Father's Day, and then our night out at Bluemont. Fun times.

10. Just being together! 

No matter what we did, it was always most fun doing it together. So it's another one for the record books. Summer 2017 was great!

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rag Mountain Father Daughter Date

Amelia and Shaun took one day to climb Old Rag, a favorite mountain hike known for its fun rock climbing at the top. It's a pretty strenuous hike. Shaun and I last hiked it together when we were engaged and at the peak of our fitness. I'm not even sure I could do it now, but Amelia did great! She's quite the athletic one, so it might have even been a bit easier for her than Shaun, who admitted to being quite sore. But they had a great time! Ella was at a horse camp and I had to work, so it seemed like a great time for the two of them to enjoy some special time together. 

Aren't they cute?

I wish I could have gone too, but I'm glad they had such a great day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amelia's Soccer Tournament ⚽️

Amelia has loved soccer this season. She even tried out for the summer tournament group and made it! She and the other girls on the team had a great season! They won almost every game. 

Way to go Amelia! We are so proud of you!

 

 

 

 

Summer Hike up White Oak Canyon

Summer presented one of its most beautiful days on a sunny Saturday when we had no plans. The humidity was low, the temperature was a comfortable 75, and we decided a family hike was the perfect way to spend such a lovely Saturday. 

The girls are big enough to really enjoy this hike. About two miles of easy to moderate hiking takes you to some lower falls that present a wonderful place for playing and even doing some sliding down the falls. Alex was still carried in the backpack most of the way, but he enjoyed playing in the water when we got there. He's not one that likes to be left behind by his big sisters. 

The girls had a lot of fun exploring and swimming in the pool at the lower falls. 

We got some great video of all the kids sliding down the falls (yes, even Alex). I'm telling you. My kids are fearless. 

And Shaun cliff jumped off some of the falls above. I wonder where my kids get their fearlessness from. 

It was probably one of our favorite days of the summer. We came home and played outside until after dark. 

I hope we get to do it again soon!

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Almost Heaven

Tonight we went to the park so the kids could burn off some of their endless energy. The nice thing about the park at 7pm in the summer is that 1. It's cooler, and 2. The lighting is amazing! The photographer in me couldn't be contained. I know I don't have my fancy camera anymore, but sometimes Mother Nature presents a canvas so beautiful I just can't help but want to capture it. Tonight was one of those nights. 

I've always been in love with my native Virginia. I'm pretty sure heaven itself couldn't be more beautiful. 

Maybe one day I'll get back into photography. But in the meantime, I'll enjoy life's little moments like this one. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Night at Bluemont Festival

We are really enjoying this summer. The long nights of playing outside until dark, swimming a lot, and playing at the park. But there are also lots of difficult moments. The kids fight despite my attempts to keep them busy. Some days are harder than others. Some nights you just need a break. This cute hubby of mine took me out to dinner at one of our local favorite restaurants, Faang, followed by live jazz music at Bluemont. 

The evening was beautiful! The weather was great and the company was my favorite!